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Congolese authorities must respect country’s constitution, say S&Ds

The S&D Group in the European Parliament today backed a resolution on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo expressing concerns over the growing violence and political instability in this country and calling on the Congolese authorities to fully respect human rights and the Congolese constitution.

S&D Group vice-president Elena Valenciano said:

“We reiterate our calls to president Kabila to accept transparent, free and fair presidential and legislative elections before the end of 2017 in compliance with the agreement of 31 December 2016. The postponement of these elections is totally unacceptable and dangerous for the stability of the country.

“We recall the commitments made by the DRC under the Cotonou Agreement; to respect democracy, the rule of law and human rights, including freedom of expression and of the media, good governance and transparency in political office.

“We urge the EU and the international community to increase pressure on the DRC government, so that the country can tackle the humanitarian and political emergency.”

S&D MEP Maria Arena said:

“We strongly believe that respect for democracy, peace and the peaceful transfer of power must now be a priority for all political forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“We call once again on president Kabila to respect the constitution of the country and to honour the 'Saint Sylvester agreement' accepting this electoral process. Kabila has the obligation to guarantee peace for the Congolese population.

“We urge the international community to mobilise increased resources to address the humanitarian crisis, particularly in the Kasai province.”